September 16, 2012

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the six Community Chambers will honor some influential and service-oriented people and organizations during its Annual Awards Banquet Oct. 11.

Each year the Chautauqua County Chamber selects recipients of the Person of the Year and the Economic Development Award. This year, the Person of the Year Award is going to Dr. Gregory DeCinque, President of Jamestown Community College.

Dr. DeCinque has been president of JCC since 1994. Since that time the college has moved from sole sponsorship by the City of Jamestown to regional sponsorship which includes Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. During his tenure, JCC has taken substantial steps towards expanding its educational and workforce training opportunities including its partnership with the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier to create the Manufacturing Technology Institute and the establishment of a number of new degree and certificate programs such as occupational therapy assistant, professional piloting, and welding technology. As a result, Jamestown Community College has become a vital partner with a number of growing businesses in Chautauqua County. Dr. DeCinque has also served on the boards of a number of community organizations including the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board, Jamestown Strategic Planning Commission, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, WCA Advisory Group, and others. We are proud to name him as the Chamber's Person of the Year.

The Economic Development Award this year is going to the Chamber member wineries that are part of the Lake Erie Wine Trail. Chautauqua County remains one of the largest grape growing areas in the United States, and the wine business here has grown dramatically over the past couple of decades. It's not just grape volume and tourist business that is making a statement, either. More and more often, Chautauqua County wines are being recognized as high quality and winning awards at national and international competitions. We are delighted to recognize the Chamber member wineries in this way: 21 Brix Winery, Johnston Estate Winery, Liberty Vineyards & Winery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, Merritt Estate Winery, Noble Winery, Willow Creek Winery, and Woodbury Vineyards.

The Community Chambers will each recognize Community Service Award winners as well. The Dunkirk Community Chamber is honoring Roosevelt and LaPearl Haynes for their years of service to the community and the Dunkirk city schools. Roberta Coniglio is being recognized by the Fredonia Community Chamber, while the award in Jamestown is going to John Bauer. Sue Briggs is getting the Community Service award from the Silver Creek/Hanover Chamber. Boy Scout Troop 126 in Mayville is receiving the award from the Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber. Alan Holbrook will receive the award from the Westfield/Barcelona Chamber.

Please join us for the Awards Banquet on Oct. 11, to be held this year at the newly renovated Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia Campus. Invitations, including reply cards, are in the mail. Or you can register online through our website at www.chautauquachamber.org.

Business Community Must Be Vocal - Sell The County Home

We are asking the business community in Chautauqua County to step up and make their voices heard. As a representative for business in our county we have been leading the charge for reduced taxes and reigning in government spending. Now we need your support to continue this drive.

Chautauqua County government has done its homework and all of the figures show many reasons for selling the County Home. Maintaining the facility as a government service in our county will only be a further burden on the taxpayer. Selling it to a private entity will preserve the care for our regions senior population, maintain jobs, and remove a strain on the ever-squeezed county budget. It makes fiscal sense to sell the home now.

Please let your County Legislators know that as a business person in Chautauqua County you want them to make the right decision now. We are asking business people to write, call, and email, and to show up to meetings of the County Legislature to make their voices heard. For a complete list of County Legislators and their contact information, go to the County website at www.co.chautauqua.ny.us. Your support is critical in this effort. Thank you.

Southern Tier Brewing Co.

To Host Oktoberfest Event

Southern Tier Brewing Company offers unique, specialty beers in a beautiful setting! Join your fellow Chamber members for a relaxed and fun event during Oktoberfest, Wednesday, October 17 from 5:00 - 6:30pm.